'I can be a really good centre back'

By Connor Armstrong

Krystian Bielik is prepared to do whatever it takes to make it into the Arsenal first team, even if it means adopting a completely new position.

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The 18-year-old Pole arrived at the club from Legia Warsaw as a midfielder and is now coming to terms with a change of role.

“I played at Legia Warsaw as a defensive midfielder, but sometimes I was an offensive midfielder,” Bielik told Arsenal Player. "Last season, I remember coming to the under-21s, and [Arsene Wenger] told me that from today I would start training as a centre back.

“They decided they wanted to try me at centre back, and I started training there. After the first game we played really good, and I felt it was alright. When Arsenal changed my position, I wasn’t very happy because it wasn’t what I loved in football. From a midfielder to a centre back, it was a big difference for me.

“Now I feel much better, and I feel I can be a really good centre back.

“When I train with the first team, I feel I’m making really good progress in this position. Compared to three months ago, I have made really good progress. I feel like a really good player now," he added.

“I’m happy if I can play. If I can play in the first team, I can play at left back or right back. If Mr. Wenger sees me at centre back and thinks I can be better at centre back than midfielder, I can’t say anything. I just have to train very hard."